Cut into a gentle ridgeline where the red-rock marvels of Sedona melt into Flagstaff’s tall pines and mountainous terrain, Crystal Point Trail provides a taste of both worlds.

The trail has been adopted by the Munds Park Trail Stewards, an organization that maintains recreational routes around the community. Thanks to volunteer workers who perform regular maintenance, the trail is neatly brushed, signed and switchback-mitigated.

The non-motorized path makes an easy climb through pine-oak woodlands, meadows and edges bolstered by lichen-encrusted boulders. Even in dry years, high-country wildflowers like brilliant blue Franciscan bells add pops of color in sunny spots along the way. The trail’s appeal is rooted in its birds-eye glimpses of Sedona that begin to appear through the trees about a half-mile into the hike.

Views of rust-colored escarpments layered with white limestone stand above the green valleys of the Verde River watershed as the route makes its way to Crystal Point.

The trail tops out on a knoll after 1.3 miles. A picnic table with ammo boxes full of hiker logs invites visitors to stay awhile, enjoy the sights and peruse the inspiring — sometimes weird — comments scrawled in dog-eared notebooks.

Some hikers are satisfied to call this the turnaround point, but it’s not the end of the trail. The journey may be extended by continuing down the ridge toward Odell Lake. This 2.5-mile segment descends on lazy bends offering even better views than those seen on the summit.

Views of Sedona from Crystal Point Trail in Munds Park.(Photo: Mare Czinar)

Once off the hill, the trail follows a wide ravine to the lake. A dry winter has not been kind to Odell Lake. The shallow reservoir has shrunk to a collection of muddy pools. Still, the area near the water teems with waterfowl and other birds. The path ends at a gate in a residential area at the end of Golden Lake Trail.

Although it might be tempting to explore around the lake, much of the land is private property, so be respectful.

From trail’s end, you could make a loop by hiking 1.3 miles on paved streets back to the trailhead, but it’s not very interesting. Instead, head back the way you came for a rewind viewing of a pleasant show.

Crystal Point Trail

View from the switchbacks of the Crystal Point Trail in Munds Park.(Photo: Mare Czinar)

Length: 3.3 miles one way.

Rating: Moderate.

Elevation: 6,480-7,190 feet.

Getting there: From Interstate 17 north of Sedona, take Exit 322 for Munds Park and go 2 miles east on Pinewood Boulevard (Forest Road 240) to the parking area on the left. The trail begins across the road. Roads are paved with a short section of maintained dirt that's fine for all vehicles.